The Perception ofSocio--Economic and Demographic Causes of Deforestation and its Consequences in Chena Woreda: The Case of Kafa Zone, SNNPRS
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Date
2010-06
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Addis Ababa University
Abstract
Forests are essential natural resources that make an important contribution to the wealth of the coui7lry. They provide wood for fuel, poles and timber for construction,furnish callie with shelter and fodder and protect the soil from erosion. On the other hand, destruction afforest leads human beings and the environment to various problems.
Departingji-om this backdrop, the research focuses on the perception on socia-economic and demographic causes of deforestation and its consequences in Chena Woreda-The case of Kef a Zone, SNNPRS The study examines the relation between household size, level of education, social exclusion, landIJorest tenure rights and deforestation and further assesses the consequences of deforestation and comlllunity perceptions of deforestation and its possible causes. Both primQly and secondalY data sllch as household surveys sources through questionnaire, key informants interview, Focus Group Discussions and literatures were used. The data were analyzed by descriptive way using percentage and ji-equency rank weight.
The major causes of deforestation in the study area were found to be rapid population growth, social exclusion, dependency on agriculture, reselliement and inappropriate investment program, among others the consequences of deforestation relate to local climate change, soil erosion, shortage of fuel wood, etc.
It is suggested that creating cOllmllmity awareness to reduce fertility, strengthening the relation between Menjas and the majority Kefa people, providing substitute for wood and providing opportunities for the people to illl'Oll'e all other ojJ-farll1ing activities could be possible alternatives to overcome problems of deforestation .
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Public Health